Age Group Swimmer of the Month
Up & Comers: Natalie Mannion
Many young swimmers set goals of attending high-profile meets, but few qualify for them when they’re 14 years old! Natalie Mannion of the Commonwealth Current (New England Swimming) was one of the youngest swimmers at the 2018 U.S. summer nationals and recently earned her Olympic Trials cut in the 100 meter back with a 1:02.30.
Mannion ranks high on USA Swimming’s Top 100 all-time list for 13-14 girls, ranging from 18th in the 200 meter back to 36th in the 100 yard back. In between, she has an additional long course ranking (100 back, 21st) and four more short course top times (200-500 free, 19th, 28th; 200 back, 19th; and 200 IM, 25th).
“At meets, Natalie puts her racing first,” says Commonwealth head coach Chris Sheppard. “She is diligent about all the aspects needed to be competitive, and does a great job of taking care of herself between races, sessions and days so she can continue to (be her best) throughout the entire meet. “Natalie is also a great teammate, showing up at meets in which she is not competing just so she can cheer them on.”
Outside of the pool, Mannion enjoys horseback riding and SCUBA diving. She is an avid animal lover and enjoys hanging out with her two dogs, three cats, rabbit, two parakeets and chinchilla.
To see Up & Comer Natalie Mannion’s full interview,
check out the April 2019 issue of Swimming World Magazine, available now!
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FEATURES
016 2018 TOP 12 WORLD MASTERS SWIMMERS OF THE YEAR
by Dan D’Addona, David Rieder and Taylor Brien
022 A CUT ABOVE THE REST
by Michael Randazzo
Despite Jovan Vavic’s stunning eviction from Troy, USC and Stanford remain the teams to beat at this year’s NCAA Women’s Water Polo Championships in May. The Trojans beat the Cardinal 5-4 last year at their home pool, but Stanford will play host to the NCAA’s top teams in 2019. In the past nine years, Stanford has captured five national titles, with USC winning four—including two of the last three.
026 OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS
by Michael Randazzo
Paola Dominguez-Castro, a high school junior living in Hialeah, Fla.—and considered one of the most impressive young water polo talents in the country—has the opportunity to break free of the environment that has both sustained and developed that talent, and become an example for others who might aspire to greater success.
030 THE GREATEST SWIM IN HISTORY
by Bruce Wigo
At the 1965 AAU Short Course Nationals, a capacity crowd of 3,000 thought they had just seen “the greatest swim in history.” They cheered wildly for FIVE MINUTES after Steve Clark had broken the 46-second barrier in the 100 yard freestyle with a 45.6. After watching Caeleb Dressel’s three barrier-breaking swims at last year’s NCAAs—and believing that Dressel can swim even faster—Clark, now 75, believes “the greatest swim in history has yet to happen.”
034 NUTRITION: AROUND THE TABLE WITH MICHIGAN LAKESHORE AQUATICS
by Dan D’Addona and Dawn Weatherwax
COACHING
010 LESSONS WITH THE LEGENDS: TAMAS SZECHY
by Michael J. Stott
014 SWIMMING TECHNIQUE CONCEPTS: CONDITIONING TO OPTIMIZE TECHNIQUE (Part 1)
by Rod Havriluk
038 WHAT COACHES CAN LEARN FROM SWIMMERS (Part 2)
by Michael J. Stott
This is the second of a two-part series in which Swimming World shares epiphanies from coaches whose athletes fundamentally altered their coaching philosophy. Last month’s article dealt with the individuality of swimmers. This month, coaches discuss the importance of feedback.
040 SPECIAL SETS: IM TRANSITION SETS
by Michael J. Stott
Ken Heis, head coach of the Mason (Ohio) Manta Rays, has a studied approach to IM training, honed by experimentation and experience. Here the four-time Ohio Swimming Coach of the Year shares some sample IM transition sets.
043 Q&A WITH COACH ADAM EPSTEIN
by Michael J. Stott
044 HOW THEY TRAIN :LUKAS MACEK
by Michael J. Stott
TRAINING
013 DRYSIDE TRAINING: EXERCISE EQUIPMENT SERIES—TRX SUSPENSION STRAPS
by J.R. Rosania
JUNIOR SWIMMER
036 GOLDMINDS: LESSONS ABOUT LOSING
by Wayne Goldsmith
046 UP & COMERS: NATALIE MANNION
by Taylor Brien
COLUMNS
008 A VOICE FOR THE SPORT
009 BEYOND THE YARDS
025 MOMS AT MEETS
029 DID YOU KNOW? ISHOF/MASTERS HALL OF FAMERS
047 GUTTER TALK
048 PARTING SHOT
Chris Sheppard ???
Jessica Mack oh hey, look at that!
Chris Sheppard congrats to you and Nat. So proud of you two!
Natalie is gracious, humble and fierce!!! So exciting to watch swim! Wishing all the best for her!!
Congratulations Chris and Natalie!
Awesome Chris Sheppard
Congratulations to Natalie!! So proud to call you my daughter’s friend!!
Ata way Current!
I’ve had the pleasure to watch her race in Indy last December. She is a fierce competitor and a humble winner. My daughter got to race right next to her in finals and was amazed by her races!!